Cuckoo!

We’ve off to see the Cuckoos, the wonderful Cuckoos of Dartmoor. We’re not following the yellow-brick road, but we are driving at under 40mph and very wary of Dartmoor ponies and their young foals at this time of year.

When we arrive there are three Cuckoos in the air at once. There’s a lengthy chase, involving outraged Meadow Pipits, who seem driven to distraction by their presence. Having said that, they do have good reason, since the Cuckoo is about to murder their entire family with their brood parasitism.

Here’s a Cuckoo high above:

Cuckoo on Dartmoor - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

And here’s one having a flypast down below:

Cuckoo on Dartmoor - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Before snacking on a Cranefly larva:

Cuckoo on Dartmoor - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

What a beautiful and memorable day.

More Cuckoos

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